Beverage dispensing systems and methods

ABSTRACT

Various beverage preparation systems and methods are disclosed. The beverage preparation system can include a dispensing unit configured to receive beverage, such as a shot of espresso, from a beverage preparation machine. The dispensing unit can include a dispensing unit with a first end and a second end. The dispensing unit can be rotatable between an upright position and an inverted position. The dispensing unit can be configured to receive the beverage through the second end when the dispensing unit is in the upright position, and can be configured to receive cleansing fluid through the second end when the dispensing unit is in the inverted position. In some embodiments, when the dispensing unit is in an intermediate position between the upright and inverted positions, the dispensing unit is configured to dispense the beverage out of the first end and into a cup or other vessel.

CROSS REFERENCE

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/369,818, filed Mar. 29, 2019, which is a divisional of U.S. PatentApplication Ser. No. 15/260,078, filed Sep. 8, 2016, which claims thepriority benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of U.S. Patent Application No.62/220,680, filed Sep. 18, 2015, and U.S. Patent Application No.62/327,808, filed Apr. 26, 2016. The entirety of each of theaforementioned applications is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND Field

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for dispensingbeverages, such as systems and methods for dispensing servings ofespresso.

Description of Certain Related Art

Espresso is a coffee beverage brewed by forcing steam or hot waterthrough ground coffee. Espresso is typically of thicker consistency thandrip coffee, having a higher amount of dissolved solids than drip coffeeper relative volume, and a serving size that is usually measured inshots. When producing a serving of espresso (called a “shot”), groundcoffee is subjected to high pressure in a beverage preparation machine.This transforms the ground coffee into a firm puck. Hot water is thenforced through the puck to produce the espresso, which typically flowsdirectly from the machine into a cup. The cup with the espresso is thenremoved from the machine for consumption, sale, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments are depicted in the accompanying drawings forillustrative purposes, and should in no way be interpreted as limitingthe scope of the embodiments. Various features of different disclosedembodiments can be combined to form additional embodiments, which arepart of this disclosure.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a beverage dispensingsystem.

FIGS. 2A-2F illustrate portions of the beverage dispensing system ofFIG. 1 in various operational states.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a double-shot beverage dispensingassembly.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates another embodiment of a beveragedispensing system, such as a system that includes the assembly of FIG.3.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example of thedouble-shot beverage dispensing assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a method related tocertain of the beverage dispensing systems.

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates another embodiment of a beveragedispensing system, such as a system comprising a base that is configuredto engage with, and introduce fluid through, a bottom of a container.FIG. 7A illustrates an embodiment of a beverage dispensing system with aheating unit and an aerating unit.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example of the base ofthe system of FIG. 7 engaged with the container.

FIG. 9 depicts further examples of a base and container that can be usedwith the system of FIG. 7, with the container in an upright position.

FIG. 10 depicts the base and container of FIG. 9, with the container inan inverted position.

FIG. 11 depicts a close-up view of the base of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 depicts a close-up view of a bottom of the container of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 depicts an example of tubing that can be used with the system ofFIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

Various beverage dispensing systems and methods are described below toillustrate various examples that may achieve one or more desiredimprovements. These examples are only illustrative and not intended inany way to restrict the general disclosure presented and the variousaspects and features of this disclosure. The general principlesdescribed herein may be applied to embodiments and applications otherthan those discussed herein without departing from the spirit and scopeof the disclosure. Indeed, this disclosure is not limited to theparticular embodiments shown, but is instead to be accorded the widestscope consistent with the principles and features that are disclosed orsuggested herein.

Although certain aspects, advantages, and features are described herein,it is not necessary that any particular embodiment include or achieveany or all of those aspects, advantages, and features. Some embodimentsmay not achieve the advantages described herein, but may achieve otheradvantages instead. Any structure, feature, or step in any embodimentcan be used in place of, or in addition to, any structure, feature, orstep in any other embodiment, or omitted. This disclosure contemplatesall combinations of features from the various disclosed embodiments. Nofeature, structure, or step is essential or indispensable.

Overview (FIG. 1)

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a beverage dispensingsystem 10. To facilitate presentation, the system 10 is discussed inconnection with dispensing an espresso beverage, such as a shot ofespresso. But various embodiments can be applied in many other contextsas well, such as in dispensing brewed-coffee, tea, juice, alcohol, andother types of beverages.

As illustrated, the system 10 can include a dispensing unit 12 and abeverage preparation machine 14, such as a machine for preparingespresso. The dispensing unit 12 can be connected with tubing 16, suchas flexible or rigid piping, to enable delivery of the beverage from thebeverage preparation machine 14 to the dispensing unit 12. As shown, thedispensing unit 12 can be spaced apart from the beverage preparationmachine 14. For example, the dispensing unit 12 can be positioned abovea counter and/or generally visible from a front side and a rear side ofthe counter, and the beverage preparation machine 14 can be positionedbelow the counter, inside a cabinet, and/or otherwise generally obscuredfrom view from at least one of the front and rear sides. In variousembodiments, the dispensing unit 12 is not received in, part of, and/orcoupled directly to the beverage preparation machine 14.

The dispensing unit 12 can receive the beverage from the beveragepreparation machine 14 via a fluid communication path through the tubing16. In some embodiments, the dispensing unit 12 is configured to holdand/or dispense the beverage. For example, the dispensing unit 12 canreceive a shot of espresso, hold the espresso for a period, and dispensethe espresso into a cup or other vessel. In certain implementations, thedispensing unit 12 is configured to contain a single serving of abeverage, such as a single shot of espresso. In some variants, thedispensing unit 12 is configured to contain multiple servings of abeverage.

In some embodiments, the dispensing unit 12 comprises a generallyelongate hollow member. The dispensing unit 12 can be open on one endand closed on the other end. For example, the dispensing unit 12 caninclude a hollow tube that is open on a first end 18 and closed on asecond end 20. In certain implementations, such as is schematicallyillustrated in FIG. 1, when the dispensing unit 12 is in an uprightconfiguration, the first end 18 is the upper or uppermost end of thedispensing unit 12 and the second end 20 is the lower or lowermost endof the dispensing unit 12. In some embodiments, the dispensing unit 12is transparent or semi-transparent. For example, the dispensing unit 12can be made of transparent or semi-transparent plastic or glass.

As illustrated, the dispensing unit 12 can be configured to pivot abouta rotation axis 22. For example, the dispensing unit 12 can be pivotallyconnected to a base or support member (not shown). As will be describedin further detail below, such pivoting can enable the dispensing unit 12to rotate between various operational states, such as dispensing thebeverage from the dispensing unit 12 into a cup or other vessel. In theschematic shown, the rotation axis 22 is located at or near the secondend 20 (e.g., bottom) of the dispensing unit 12. In some variants, therotation point 22 is located at or near the first end 18 (e.g., top) ofthe dispensing unit 12. In certain implementations, the rotation point22 is located between the first and second ends 18, 20, such as at ornear the longitudinal mid-point of the dispensing unit 12. Certainembodiments are configured such that the dispensing unit 12 can rotateand can move laterally, such as in a side-to-side direction and/or afront-to-back direction on a countertop. In some embodiments, thedispensing unit 12 is connected with a linkage (not shown) that enablesthe dispensing unit 12 to traverse a curved trajectory. In some suchembodiments, the dispensing unit 12 is able to invert (e.g., fordispensing and/or cleaning) but the path it takes is not a simple flip.

The system 10 can include one or more position sensors configured todetect the location of the dispensing unit 12. For example, the system10 can detect when the dispensing unit 12 is in a receiving (e.g.,upright) position, a dispensing position, and/or a cleaning (e.g.,inverted) position. In some embodiments, the system 10 can determinewhether the dispensing unit 12 is in a position to receive beverage fromthe beverage preparation machine 14 and/or to receive cleansing fluidfrom a source.

The system 10 can include a flow control device, such as a check valve24. The check valve 24 can be located in the second end 20 of thedispensing unit 12. The check valve 24 can allow fluid to flow throughthe second end 20 and into the dispensing unit 12 and/or can inhibit orprevent fluid from passing out of the second end 20 of the dispensingunit 12. In certain implementations, the check valve 24 is configured toclose in certain orientations of the dispensing unit 12. For example,the check valve 24 can close (e.g., due to the force of gravity actingon a movable sealing component of the check valve 24) when thedispensing unit 12 is in the upright configuration and there is lessthan a minimum amount of fluid pressure in the tubing 16. In certainembodiments, the check valve 24 is configured to removably couple with,and close, the second end 20 of the dispensing unit 12, as will bediscussed in more detail below. In some implementations, the check valve24 is a ball check valve, diaphragm valve, duckbill valve, or otherwise.In certain embodiments, the check valve 24 is rotatably connected withthe tubing 16, such as with a rotatable coupling. This can allow thecheck valve 24 and the dispensing unit 12 to rotate relative to thetubing 16.

In some embodiments, the system 10 includes a pump 26, such as aperistaltic pump. The pump 26 can encourage the beverage from thebeverage preparation machine 14 to the dispensing unit 12. Someembodiments do not include a pump 26. For example, in certain variants,pressure that occurs during the beverage preparation process (e.g., thepressure that occurs during the preparation of espresso) is used toencourage the beverage from the beverage preparation machine 14 to thedispensing unit 12 without the need for a pump 26.

As also illustrated, certain embodiments include a control valve 28,such as a three-way valve. The control valve 28 can be adapted to switchbetween a first position and a second position. In the first position,the control valve 28 can permit beverage to flow into the dispensingunit 12. In the second position, the control valve 28 can permitcleansing fluid (e.g., potable water) to flow into the dispensing unit12. In some implementations, the flow of cleansing fluid flushes orotherwise cleanses some or all of the tubing 16, control valve 28, checkvalve 24, container 12, and/or other components of the system 10. Insome implementations, the control valve 28 is an electronic valve, suchas a solenoid valve.

As shown, certain embodiments include a controller 30, such as aprocessor and a memory. The controller 30 can be electrically coupledwith various other components of the system 10, such as through one ormore cables or wires 32. In some embodiment, the controller 130communicates with one or more other components wirelessly, such as viawi-fi, Bluetooth®, etc. The controller 30 can control aspects of certaincomponents of the system 10. For example, the controller 30 can controloperation of the control valve 28 and/or pump 26. In some embodiments,the controller 30 can instruct the beverage preparation machine 14 toprepare a type of beverage, size of beverage, strength of beverage, etc.In some embodiments, the controller 30 and the beverage preparationmachine 14 can communicate bi-directionally. For example, the controller30 can send instructions to the beverage preparation machine 14 and canreceive information from the beverage preparation machine 14, such asstatus information (e.g., number of espresso shots produced in a certainperiod, bean hopper status, etc.), health information (e.g., fault codesand/or descriptions), etc.

Certain Methods of Dispensing a Beverage (FIGS. 2A-2F)

FIGS. 2A-2F depict illustrative operational states of the beveragedispensing system 10. As will be described in more details, the system10 can be configured to introduce beverage B through the bottom of thedispensing unit 12 when the unit 12 is in an upright configuration.Certain embodiments are configured to rotate, or to at least allowrotation of, the dispensing unit 12 to dispense the beverage containedin the dispensing unit 12 into a cup C or other vessel. Some embodimentsare configured to introduce cleansing fluid through the top of thedispensing unit 12 when the unit is in an inverted configuration.

FIG. 2A illustrates an example of introducing the beverage B into thedispensing unit 12. In some embodiments, during the introductionoperation, beverage from the beverage preparation machine 14 can flowthrough the tubing 16 (e.g., in response to the encouragement by thepump 26) and the control valve 28 can be toggled to allow the beverageto flow toward the dispensing unit 12. The flow of beverage can open thecheck valve 24, thereby allowing the beverage to flow into thedispensing unit 12.

As shown, the dispensing unit 12 can receive the beverage in the uprightconfiguration (e.g., an orientation in which a longitudinal axis of thedispensing unit 12 is generally parallel with vertical). For example,the beverage can enter the dispensing unit 12 through the second end 20,which is the bottom end of the dispensing unit 12 in the uprightconfiguration, and the first end 18 can be maintained higher than (e.g.,directly above) the second end 20. In some implementations, the beverageis introduced into the dispensing unit 12 through a lower or lowermostportion of the dispensing unit 12. During the course of the beveragebeing introduced into the dispensing unit 12, the top surface of thebeverage in the dispensing unit 12 can be seen to progress upwardlytowards the top of the dispensing unit 12. This can provide a visualappearance of the beverage welling-up, growing, and/or rising within thedispensing unit 12. In some embodiments, introducing the beverage intothe dispensing unit 12 while the dispensing unit 12 is in the uprightconfiguration can allow the beverage to be maintained in the dispensingunit 12 for a period of time and/or for inspection activities to occur.For example, collecting the beverage in the upright dispensing unit 12can allow for the beverage to be pre-made and ready for use at a latertime, such as in response to a subsequent customer order. As anotherexample, collecting the beverage in the upright dispensing unit 12 canallow inspection of beverage characteristics (e.g., color, opacity,foam, etc.), the total volume of the beverage, or other characteristics.In some variants, the beverage enters the dispensing unit 12 when thedispensing unit is in a non-upright configuration. For example, thebeverage can be introduced into the dispensing unit 12 when the firstend 18 is lower than the second end 20. This can allow the beverage toflow out of and/or be immediately be discharged from the dispensing unit12.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the dispensing unit 12 can be partially,substantially, or completely filled with the beverage. For example, insome embodiments, the dispensing unit 12 is substantially filled afterreceiving a volume that is equivalent to about a shot of espresso. Incertain implementations, the beverage preparation machine 14 isconfigured to provide an amount of beverage that is less than, orsubstantially equal, to the volume of the dispensing unit 12. In someembodiments, after a certain amount of time has elapsed and/or a certainvolume of beverage has been introduced into the dispensing unit 12, theflow of beverage ceases or decreases and/or the check valve 24 closes.For example, the controller 30 can instruct the beverage preparationmachine 14 to stop preparation of the beverage. In some embodiments, thebeverage can be maintained in the dispensing unit 12 for a period oftime. This can allow modifications to the beverage in the dispensingunit 12. For example, additives can be introduced into the beverage heldin the dispensing unit 12, such as sugar, flavoring (e.g., cinnamon,chocolate, vanilla extract, etc.), dairy products, ice, etc. Certainembodiments include a cap (e.g., a removable stopper) that can be usedto close the first end 18 of the dispensing unit 12, so that thedispensing unit 12 can be shaken and/or pivoted to facilitate mixing.

As mentioned above, the dispensing unit 12 can be rotated to facilitatepouring the beverage from the dispensing unit 12 into a cup C or othervessel. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D, the dispensing unit 12can be pivoted in a first direction about the rotation point 22, such asat least about: 90°, 120°, 150°, 170°, 180°, 190°, 210°, values betweenthe aforementioned values, or otherwise. In some embodiments, therotation point 22 is positioned at or near the lower or lowermostportion of the dispensing unit 12. In certain variants, the rotationpoint 22 is positioned at about the middle of the longitudinal length ofthe dispensing unit 12. Some embodiments pivot about an axis that isgenerally parallel with horizontal and/or that passes through the secondend 20 of the dispensing unit 12. In various embodiments, the dispensingunit 12 is configured to pour beverage directly into the cup or othervessel, without intervening tubing 16 or other structures. As mentionedabove, in certain implementations, the beverage can be introduced intothe dispensing unit 12 when the first end 18 is lower than the secondend 20. For example, the beverage can be introduced into the dispensingunit 12 in the position shown in FIG. 2D. The beverage can pour outimmediately instead of collecting inside the dispensing unit 12.

In some embodiments, the system 10 includes a drain or catch basin,which can collect splashes and spills that occur during the course ofpouring. The drain or catch basin can be covered with a grate, on whichthe cup or other vessel is placed to receive the beverage. The grate caninclude indicia (e.g., words or symbols) that indicate to a user whereto position the cup or other vessel to receive the beverage from thedispensing unit 12.

In certain embodiments, the system 10 is configured to wash thedispensing unit 12. For example, as shown in FIG. 2E, the dispensingunit 12 can be rotated to an approximately inverted position. In someembodiments, the control valve 28 is toggled to allow cleansing fluid topass into the dispensing unit 12, for example to allow potable water toflow through the tubing 16 and check valve 24 and into the dispensingunit 12. As shown, in some embodiments, the cleansing fluid enters thesecond end 20 of the dispensing unit 12, which is the top end of thedispensing unit 12 when in the inverted position. The cleansing fluidcan pass down the interior walls of the dispensing unit 12. In someembodiments, the cleansing fluid can be discharged out of the first end18 of the dispensing unit 12 and into the drain or catch basin.

Certain implementations are configured to spray, or otherwisedistribute, the cleansing fluid around the entire, or at leastsubstantially the entire, internal circumference of the shell of thedispensing unit 12. This can increase the likelihood that cleansingfluid will reach substantially the entire internal surface area of thedispensing unit 12. Some embodiments include a diffuser configured todirect the cleansing fluid around substantially the entire internalcircumference of the dispensing unit 12. In certain implementations, thecleansing fluid is sprayed against the internal surface of thedispensing unit 12 at a substantially perpendicular angle and/or at ornear the second end 20 of the dispensing unit 12. Some embodiments areconfigured to spray the cleansing fluid in a downward direction.

In some variants, the system 10 includes jets and/or nozzles adapted tospray cleansing fluid into the dispensing unit 12. For example, the jetsand/or nozzles can spray cleansing fluid generally upwardly into thefirst end 18 of the dispensing unit 12. The cleansing fluid can falldownward via force of gravity into the drain or catch basin. Someembodiments do not include jets or nozzles configured to spray cleansingfluid upwardly into the dispensing unit 12.

Some implementations include drying functionality. For example, someembodiments include an active drying feature, such as a blower. Theblower can be configured to direct a flow of air around and/or into thedispensing unit 12 (e.g., through the first end 18) to facilitate dryingof the dispensing unit 12. Some implementations include a passive dryingfeature, such as a rest period. For example, movement and/or use of thedispensing unit 12 can be stopped for a period to facilitate drying,such as for at least about: 5 seconds, 10 seconds, or otherwise. In someembodiments, the rest period occurs when the dispensing unit 12 is inthe inverted position.

As shown in FIG. 2F, the dispensing unit 12 can be rotated (e.g., in asecond direction opposite the first direction), such as to about theupright position shown in FIG. 1. This can put the dispensing unit 12 ina position to be ready to receive another amount of beverage from thebeverage preparation machine 14, and to progress again through some orall of the above-described operational states.

Multi-Shot Dispensing Assembly (FIGS. 3 and 4)

Certain beverage preparation machines are adapted to produce multipleservings of a beverage at a time, such as two shots of espresso. Thus,it can be advantageous for a beverage preparation system to beconfigured to receive, hold, and/or dispense multiple servings of thebeverage, such as being configured to receive, hold, and dispense twoshots of espresso. An example of a double-shot beverage dispensingassembly 111 is illustrated in FIG. 3 and an example of a system 110including the assembly 111 is illustrated in FIG. 4. As shown, theassembly 111 can include a first dispensing unit 112A and a seconddispensing unit 112B.

Many of the features of the system 110 are the same as, or similar to,the features described above in connection with the system 10. Toillustrate such correspondence, many of the numerals used to identifyfeatures of the system 110 are incremented by a factor of one hundredrelative to the numerals used in connection with the system 10. Thesystem 110 can include one, some, or all of the features of the system10, including all combinations and sub-combinations. Moreover, any ofthe components of the system 110 can be similar to the correspondingcomponents of the system 10. For example, the first dispensing unit 112Aand the second dispensing unit 112B can each be similar to thedispensing unit 12 discussed above, including all combinations andsub-combinations. Any component or step disclosed in any embodiment inthis specification can be used in other embodiment.

As illustrated, the first and second dispensing units 112A, 112B caneach include an open first end 118A, 120A and a closed second end 118B,120B. The second end 118B, 120B of the first and second dispensing units112A, 112B can be connected to a rotating member 134, which in turn canbe supported by a base 136. The rotating member 134 can enable the firstand second dispensing units 112A, 112B to rotate relative to the base136. In some embodiments, the rotating member 134 is coupled with tubing116 through which beverage from the beverage preparation machine 14 canbe delivered to the first and second dispensing units 112A, 112B. Forexample, as shown, the rotating member 134 can connect with the tubing116 via an elbow connector. In various embodiments, the rotating member134, as well as the dispensing units 112A, 112B, can rotate relative tothe tubing 116.

As shown, the base 136 can project upwardly, which can raise thedispensing units 112A, 112B above a countertop CT on which the base 136is positioned. This can position the dispensing units 112A, 112B at anelevation that is higher than the top of the cup or vessel in which thebeverage is to be poured, thereby allowing the beverage to flow by forceof gravity into the cup or other vessel when the dispensing units 112A,112B are rotated downward. In some embodiments, raising the dispensingunits 112A, 112B above the countertop provide space to allow thedispensing units 112A, 112B to rotate without contacting the countertop.For example, in certain embodiments, the dispensing units 112A, 112B canbe inverted without hitting, impacting, and/or physically touching thecountertop.

In some embodiments, the dispensing units 112A, 112B include a handle140 or other type of grip. The handle 140 can enable a user to rotatethe first and second dispensing units 112A, 112B manually. In certainembodiments, the first and second dispensing units 112A, 112B rotatetogether. In some embodiments, the first and second dispensing units112A, 112B rotate independently, such as the first dispensing unit 112Abeing able to rotate relative to the second dispensing unit 112B andvice versa. In some embodiments, the first and second dispensing units112A, 112B each have a handle 140 or grip. In certain variants, theassembly 111 includes one or more motors or actuators (e.g., springs)configured to rotate the first and second dispensing units 112A, 112B,either together or independently. For example, certain variants includeone or more motors or actuators configured to return one or both of thedispensing units 112A, 112B to the upright position, such as after oneor both of the dispensing units 112A, 112B have been rinsed withcleaning fluid and/or after a period has elapsed. Some implementationsinclude a mechanism (e.g., a releasable detent) that holds one or bothof the dispensing units 112A, 112B in a lower position, such as in apouring position or the inverted position.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a beverage dispensingsystem 110 that includes the double-shot beverage dispensing assembly111 of FIG. 3. As shown, and similar to the discussion above inconnection with the system 10, the system 110 can include a controller130 and a beverage preparation machine 14. Some embodiments include apump 126 configured to encourage a flow of beverage from the beveragepreparation machine 14 to the dispensing unit. Certain embodimentsinclude a control valve 128 that is configured to switch betweenallowing the beverage to be communicated into the dispensing unit andallowing a cleansing fluid to enter the tubing 116 and be communicatedinto the dispensing unit. In some embodiments, the control valve 128 isa solenoid or other electronically operated valve.

In some embodiments, the system 110 includes a selector valve 142configured to direct flow between the first and second dispensing units112A, 112B. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the system 110 can includea three-way valve that toggles between allowing beverage to flow to thefirst dispensing unit and the second dispensing unit 112A, 112B. In someembodiments, the selector valve 142 is a solenoid or otherelectronically operated valve. The selector valve 142 can be controlledby the controller 130 or can be manually operated. In someimplementations, the system 110 automatically alternates the flow ofbeverage between the dispensing units 112A, 112B, such as directing afirst serving of beverage to the first dispensing unit, a second servingof beverage to the second dispensing unit, a third serving of beverageto the first dispensing unit, etc.

In various embodiments, the dispensing unit is readily visible. Forexample, in a retail environment, such as a coffee shop, the dispensingunit can be readily visible to a customer. In this regard, as mentionedabove, in some embodiments, the dispensing unit is positioned on acountertop. In certain variants, the dispensing unit is visible from afirst side of the countertop (e.g., a user side) and from an oppositesecond side of the countertop (e.g., a customer side). In someimplementations, some or all other components of the system 110 arepositioned below the countertop and/or otherwise out of sight from atleast the second side of the countertop. For example, the beveragepreparation machine 14, controller 130, control and/or selector valve142, and pump 126 can be located below the countertop, inside of acabinet, and/or otherwise out of view from at least the second side ofthe countertop. In some embodiments, during an operation of the fillingof the dispensing units 112A, 112B, the beverage can appear to acustomer to materialize in the dispensing units 112A, 112B, as if fromnowhere. The customer can view the beverage welling-up from the bottomof the upright dispensing unit and/or progressively collecting insidethe dispensing unit. In some implementations, the customer can view thedispensing unit being rotated and the beverage being poured into a cupor other vessel. In some embodiments, the customer can view thedispensing unit being inverted and/or the washed, such as from the topdown.

Removable Dispensing Unit (FIG. 5)

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the first dispensing unit112A and an associated mounting assembly 124. Similar or identicalcomponents can be used in the system 10. In various embodiments, thedispensing unit 112A is separable from other components of the system110. For example, the dispensing unit 112A can be configured to beremoved from the mounting assembly 124. This can facilitate cleaning orreplacement of the dispensing unit 112A and/or the mounting assembly124. The mounting assembly 124 can comprise a check valve.

As shown, the dispensing unit 112A can include a generally elongatehollow body with an open first end 118A and a generally closed secondend 120A. The second end 120A can include an aperture 144, such as ahole in about the center of the second end 120A. As illustrated, theaperture 144 can be adapted to receive a projection 146 of the mountingassembly 124. The mounting assembly 124 or the dispensing unit 112A caninclude a sealing member 148 (e.g., an O-ring, gasket, or other type ofseal) configured to provide a generally liquid-tight seal between thedispensing unit 112A and the mounting assembly 124. For example, theaperture 144 can include a rubber or plastic O-ring that seals againstan outer wall of the projection 146 of the check valve 124 when theprojection 146 of the mounting assembly 124 is received in the aperture144 of the dispensing unit 112A.

As mentioned above, the dispensing unit 112A can be configured to beremoved from the mounting assembly 124. For example, in someembodiments, the dispensing unit 112A can be separated from the mountingassembly 124 by applying a pulling force generally along thelongitudinal axis A of the dispensing unit 112A, thereby slidablydisconnecting the dispensing unit 112A and the mounting assembly 124. Insome embodiments, the dispensing unit 112A is configured to bedisconnected by translating (e.g., sliding) the dispensing unit 112Agenerally parallel with the longitudinal axis A. In some embodiments,the dispensing unit 112A is configured to be disconnected by rotatingthe dispensing unit 112A around the longitudinal axis A. For example, insome embodiments, the dispensing unit 112A is threadably connected withthe mounting assembly 124 and/or the rotating member 134, and isconfigured to be disconnected by rotating the dispensing unit 112Aaround the longitudinal axis A. Certain implementations are configuredto connect and/or disconnect the dispensing unit 112A and the mountingassembly 124 without relative rotation of the dispensing unit 112A andthe mounting assembly 124. In some embodiments, the dispensing unit 112Ais configured to contain fluid after being disconnected from themounting assembly 124. For example, the dispensing unit 112A can includea closure mechanism (e.g., a flapper valve, umbrella valve, duckbillvalve, etc.) configured to close the aperture 144, thereby inhibitingliquid in the dispensing unit 112A from being discharged through theaperture 144. In some embodiments, the dispensing unit 112A comprises acheck valve that inhibits leakage from the aperture 144 after thedispensing unit 112A has been disconnected from the mounting assembly124. In certain implementations, the dispensing unit 112A can bedisconnected from the mounting assembly 124 and contents of thedispensing unit 112A can be poured by hand into a cup or other vessel.In some embodiments, extent of travel of the dispensing unit 112A islimited. For example, the dispensing unit 112A can be tethered to thebase 136 or other component of the system 110, such as with a cord,chain, cable, or otherwise.

As illustrated, in some embodiments, the mounting assembly 124 includesa housing 150 with an inner chamber 152 that includes a tapered wall154. The chamber 152 can include a sealing member, such as a ball 156,which can seat against the tapered wall. In some embodiments, the ball156 is glass, plastic, or metal. As shown, in the upright orientation ofthe dispensing unit 112A, the ball 156 can seal against the tapered wall154, such as by the force of gravity. When fluid is encouraged throughthe tubing 116, fluid can displace the ball 156, thereby opening themounting assembly 124 and allowing the fluid to flow into the dispensingunit 112A. When the flow of fluid decreases or ends, the ball 156 canagain seat against the tapered wall 154, thereby inhibiting orpreventing fluid from flowing in the opposite direction.

In certain embodiments, as the dispensing unit 112A is pivoted, gravitydisplaces the ball 156 from being seated against the tapered wall 154,thereby opening the mounting assembly 124. In certain embodiments, suchopening of the mounting assembly 124 does not occur until a certainamount of rotation of the dispensing unit 112A has occurred, such as atleast about: about: 30°, 60°, 70°, 80°, 85°, 90°, 95°, values betweenthe aforementioned values, or otherwise. In some variants, such openingof the mounting assembly 124 does not occur until a majority, or atleast some, of the beverage in the dispensing unit 112A has been pouredout of the first end 118A of the dispensing unit 112A.

In various embodiments, opening of the mounting assembly 124 can resultin and/or facilitate automatically clearing a portion of the tubing 116.For example, opening of the mounting assembly 124 can permit ambient airto enter the tubing 116. This can aid in equalizing the pressure betweenthe inside of the tubing 116 and ambient and/or can reduce or eliminatea pressure differential (e.g., vacuum) in the tubing 116. In someembodiments, permitting air to enter the tubing 116 can allow at least aportion of the beverage in the tubing 116 to flow back into the beveragepreparation machine 14, into a container, and/or into the drain or catchbasin. In various embodiments, rotating the dispensing unit 112A to pourthe beverage into the cup or other vessel automatically results inopening of the mounting assembly 124, such as without requiringadditional steps or actions by a user.

In some embodiments, when the dispensing unit 112A is at or near theinverted position (see FIG. 2E), the mounting assembly 124 is open. Forexample, when the dispensing unit 112A is in the inverted position, theball 156 can be spaced apart from the tapered wall 154 of the innerchamber 152 and fluid can be allowed to pass through the mountingassembly 124. This can allow cleansing fluid to flow through themounting assembly 124 and into the inverted dispensing unit 112A, asdiscussed above.

Certain Methods Related to Beverage Dispensing Systems (FIG. 6)

FIG. 6 illustrates an example method 200 related to various beveragedispensing systems. As shown, in some embodiments, the method 200includes introducing a beverage through a second end of the dispensingunit 202. This can be performed when the dispensing unit is in theupright position, such that the second end is at the bottom of thedispensing unit and/or is below the first end. In certainimplementations, the beverage is introduced generally upwardly into thedispensing unit (e.g., upward and generally parallel with a verticalaxis). Some embodiments include receiving, in the dispensing unit, atleast about 1 shot of beverage and/or at least about 25 ml of beverage.Certain variants include filling a substantial volume of the dispensingunit with the beverage, such as at least about: 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%,percentages between the aforementioned percentages, or otherpercentages. Before block 202, some embodiments include preparing thebeverage and/or transporting the beverage to the dispensing unit.

The method 200 can include rotating the dispensing unit to anintermediate position 204. For example, the dispensing unit can berotated at least about: 60°, 75°, 90°, 105°, 120°, values between theaforementioned values, or otherwise. Some embodiments of the method 200include dispensing the beverage from the dispensing unit 206, such as bypouring the beverage directly into a cup or other vessel. In someembodiments, all or substantially all of the beverage is dispensed fromthe dispensing unit 206. For example, of the pre-dispensed volume ofbeverage contained in the dispensing unit, certain implementationsinclude dispensing at least about: 90%, 95%, 99%, percentages betweenthe aforementioned percentages, or other percentages.

In some embodiments, the method 200 includes rotating the dispensingunit to a cleansing position, such as an approximately inverted position208. In some embodiments, the dispensing unit is not perfectly inverted.For example, the dispensing unit can be offset from perfectly invertedby at least about: 1°, 3°, 5°, 10°, values between the aforementionedvalues, or otherwise. In some embodiments, between block 202 and 208,the method 200 includes rotating the dispensing unit at least about:120°, 140°, 160°, 180°, 200°, values between the aforementioned values,or otherwise.

Certain embodiments include introducing the cleansing fluid through asecond end of the dispensing unit 210. This can be performed when thedispensing unit is in the inverted position, such that the second end isat the top of the dispensing unit and/or is above the first end. Someembodiments include positioning a control valve to allow cleansingfluid, such as water, to pass through the valve and into the dispensingunit. Certain implementations include flowing the cleansing fluiddownward along some or all of the length of the dispensing unit. Someembodiments include carrying-away, with the cleansing fluid, residuefrom the internal surface of the dispensing unit. Certainimplementations include discharging the cleansing fluid from the firstend of the dispensing unit, such as into a drain or catch basin.

In some embodiments, the method 200 includes rotating the dispensingunit 212, such as to the upright position. For example, the dispensingunit can be rotated approximately 180°. In some embodiments, thedispensing unit is rotated in opposite rotational directions whenrotating from the upright position to the inverted position, and fromthe inverted position to the upright position. In some variants, thedispensing unit is rotated in the same rotational direction whenrotating from the upright position to the inverted position, and fromthe inverted position to the upright position. Certain embodimentsinclude positioning a control valve to allow beverage to pass throughthe control valve and into the dispensing unit. In some embodiments,such as embodiments with more than one dispensing unit, the method canincluding positioning a selector valve to change which dispensing unitis configured to receive the next flow of beverage.

As illustrated, the method 200 can include a decision block 214, whichcan ask whether there are additional beverage servings to be preparedand/or dispensed. If the answer is yes, then the method 200 can returnto block 202 to introduce additional beverage into the dispensing unitand the method 200 can continue. In some embodiments, if the answer tothe decision block 214 is no, then the method 200 ends.

Certain Beverage Dispensing Systems with Removable Containers (FIGS. 7and 8)

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a beverage dispensing system 310. Manyof the features of the system 310 are the same as, or similar to, thefeatures described above in connection with the systems 10, 110. Toillustrate such correspondence, many of the numerals used to identifyfeatures of the system 310 are incremented by a factor of one hundredrelative to the numerals used in connection with the systems 10, 110.The system 310 can include one, some, or all of the features of thesystem 10 and/or the system 110, including all combinations andsub-combinations. Moreover, any of the components of the system 310 canbe similar to the corresponding components of the systems 10, 110.

The system 310 can include, and/or engage with, a removable container312, such as a pitcher, jug, cup, or other vessel. The container 312 canbe configured to hold and/or dispense a beverage, such as a coffeedrink, dairy drink (e.g., milk, cream, half-and-half, or otherwise),juice, or another beverage. In some embodiments, the container 312 isconfigured to hold multiple servings of the beverage, such as two,three, four, five, six, or more servings. As illustrated, the container312 can include an upper end 318 and a lower end 320, which can includethe bottom of the container 312. An interior of the container 312 can bein communication with a liquid source through the tubing 316, such as asource of a liquid component of the beverage. For example, a flow ofmilk from a milk dispenser can pass through the tubing 316 and into thecontainer 312. The interior of the container 312 can hold a volume ofliquid L, such as at least about: 250 ml, 500 ml, 750 ml, 1 liter,volumes between the aforementioned volumes, or other volumes. In someembodiments, the system 310 is configured to introduce steam into thecontainer 312 and/or the tubing 316, as is described in more detailbelow.

As shown, the lower end 320 of the container 312 can engage with a base336 of the system 310. Such engagement can open a fluid passage (alsocalled a port) into an interior of the container. For example, acontainer port 310 in the container 312 and a base port 372 in the base336 can be opened, thereby forming the fluid passage therethrough. Insome implementations, the fluid passage extends through the base 336 andthrough the lower end 320 (e.g., the bottom) of the container 312. Insome embodiments, the engagement of the container 312 and the base 336,and/or a flow of fluid, opens one or more flow-control valves, such as acheck valve 324A in the base port 372 and/or a check valve 324B in thecontainer port 370.

As mentioned above, the system 310 can be configured to place aninterior of the container 312 in communication with a liquid source,such as a source of milk. In some embodiments, the system 310 isconfigured to heat the liquid (e.g., milk) before the liquid has beenintroduced into the container 312. For example, as shown in FIG. 7A,certain embodiments include a heater 315 (also called a heating unit)that is configured to heat the liquid passing through the tubing 316.The heater can comprise an in-line heater, heat exchanger, or otherwise.The heated liquid can be introduced into the container 312, such asthrough the port in the container 312.

In some embodiments, the system 310 is configured to aerate the liquid,such as after the liquid has been heated. For example, after the heatedliquid has been introduced into the container 312, a steam wand can beinserted through an open upper mouth of the container 312 and into theheated liquid. Air and/or steam can be passed though the wand and intothe heated liquid. In some embodiments, air is added to the steam tofacilitate the aerating operation, such as through an air inlet port influid communication with a stream of steam from a steam source. In somevariants, as shown in FIG. 7A, air is added to the liquid (e.g., milk)in an aeration unit 317, such as through the steam wand beforeintroducing the steam through the wand and/or through an air inlet portin the tubing 316. In certain implementations, air is added to theliquid to aerate the liquid before heating occurs.

In some embodiments, the system 310 is configured to heat and/or aeratethe liquid after the liquid has been introduced into the container 312.For example, the system 310 can be configured to introduce unheatedliquid (e.g., milk at a temperature of less than or equal to about 45°F.) into the container 312, and then to heat the liquid (e.g., byintroducing steam into the liquid in the container 312). The steam cantransfer heat to the liquid and/or can incorporate air or other gasesinto the liquid. In certain implementations, the introduction of steamcan induce movement of the liquid within the container 312, which canfacilitate mixing. In some embodiments, heating, aeration, and/or mixingof the liquid occurs substantially concurrently and within the container312. In certain implementations, the liquid is introduced substantiallycompletely before the steam is introduced. For example, the introductionof the liquid can finish before the introduction of steam begins. Insome variants, the introduction of steam begins before the introductionof the liquid finishes.

In some embodiments, the liquid and steam are introduced through thesame port, such as the container port 370. In some embodiments, theliquid and steam are introduced through different ports, such as adedicated liquid port and a dedicated steam port in the container 312and/or the base 336. As shown in FIG. 7, in certain implementations, oneor both of the ports can be substantially radially centered in relationto the dispensing unit 312 and/or the base 336. In certain variants, oneor both of the ports are not radially centered in relation to thedispensing unit 312 and/or the base 336. For example, the steam inletport may be offset from the center. This can aid in achieving the properturbulent flow to entrap air and/or froth the liquid (e.g., milk) in thedispensing unit 312. As schematically illustrated, the port or ports canbe positioned in the bottom of the container 312. This can allow theliquid to appear to rise and/or emanate from the bottom of the container312 and/or for the steam to pass through some or all of the depth of theliquid. In some embodiments, the port or ports are configured to providea minimum flow rate of the liquid and/or a minimum flow velocity of thesteam. The minimum flow rate can be a rate that provides at least acertain amount of volume within a period, such as at least about 450 mlof liquid in about 6 seconds. The minimum flow velocity can be a highenough velocity to create sufficient agitation and/or mixing of liquid,and a lower enough velocity to cause substantially no splashing out ofthe container 312. For example, the flow velocity can be between about1.0 m/s and 1.5 m/s, such as about 1.2 m/s. In some implementations, theliquid port has a diameter of about 9 mm and/or the steam port has adiameter of about 4 mm. In certain embodiments, the steam port comprisesa restricting orifice, such as an orifice with a diameter between about1 mm and 2 mm. In some embodiments, the orifice can aid in producingsatisfactory quality and/or quantity of foam in the liquid, and/or canaid in controlling the amount of air entering the stream of steam.

As further shown in FIG. 7, some variants of the system 310 include acontrol valve 328, such as a three-way valve. The control valve 328 canbe configured to permit a flow of cleansing fluid (e.g., potable water)to enter the tubing 316. In some implementations, the flow of cleansingfluid flushes or otherwise cleanses some or all of the tubing 316,control valve 328, container 312, and/or other components of the system310. Certain implementations of the system 310 have additional valves orother components, such as a pump and/or controller. In some embodiments,the system 310 is configured to automatically provide a predeterminedamount of liquid to the container 312, such as at least about: 50 ml,100 ml, 200 ml, 400 ml, 600 ml, 800 ml, 1 liter, volumes between theaforementioned volumes, or other volumes.

Certain implementations include a steam valve, which can be the controlvalve 328 or another valve, that controls the flow of steam. In someembodiments, when the steam valve is open, steam can flow from a steamsource and into the tubing 316. The steam can flow through the tubing316, through the port, and into the container 312. In some variants, thesteam valve is part of a manifold. Some embodiments include one or morecheck valves to inhibit or prevent backflow. For example, the system 310can be configured to inhibit or prevent the liquid, the steam, and/orcondensation from flowing upstream toward the milk source and/or thesteam source.

In some embodiments, the steam valve is controlled by a controller. Thecontroller can operate the steam valve to provide a certain amount ofsteam, such as in terms of volume, elapsed time, desired amount ofheating of the liquid (e.g., temperature setpoint), or otherwise. Insome variants, the controller operates the steam valve to provide acertain amount of time, or a certain amount of flow, that steam isallowed to flow into the container 312, such as at least about: 2seconds, 4 seconds, 6 seconds, 8 seconds, 10 seconds, values between theaforementioned values, or other values. In certain implementations, thesteam valve is a two-position valve, such as an electronic solenoidvalve. In some embodiments, the steam valve is a variable valve, such asa ball or butterfly valve. This can enable adjustment of the volumeand/or velocity of steam delivered from the valve. For example, someembodiments are configured to vary (e.g., increase or decrease) thevolume and/or velocity of the steam near the beginning and/or the end ofthe steam introduction process, such as during or near the first and/orlast 5 seconds of the process.

In some implementations, the controller is in communication with a userinput device, such as a touch pad, dial, button, lever, or otherwise. Insome implementations, after introducing milk into the container 312, thesystem 310 waits for a user to signal, via the user input device, thatthe steam introduction process should begin. In certain variants, afterintroducing milk into the container 312, the system 310 automaticallybegins introducing steam into the container 312. The automaticintroduction can occur substantially immediately after the introductionof milk finishes, or after a delay has elapsed after the introduction ofmilk has finished. For example, the delay can be at least about: 1second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, or otherwise.

FIG. 8 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of an example of thebase 336 engaged (e.g., mated) with an example of the container 312. Asshown, the base 336 can include a platform configured to receive thecontainer 312, such as a generally planar and horizontal tray thatstably supports the container 312. Some embodiments include a sealingmember 348, such as an O-ring. The sealing member 348 can provide agenerally liquid tight seal between the container 312 and the base 336.As shown, the sealing member 348 can be positioned in a groove in anupper face of the base 336. In certain variants, the sealing member 348is positioned in a groove in the bottom of the container 312.

The base 336 can include the check valve 324A, such as a duckbill valve,diaphragm valve, umbrella valve, ball check valve, or other type of flowcontrol valve. In various embodiments, the check valve 324A isconfigured to open in response to fluid flowing in a direction towardthe container 312 and to close in response to fluid flow in the oppositedirection and/or in response to substantially no fluid flow. Thus, thecheck valve 324A can inhibit or prevent backflow of fluid.

As illustrated, the container 312 can include the check valve 324B. Thecheck valve 324B can be configured to inhibit or prevent liquid fromexiting the container 312 when the container 312 is disengaged from thebase 336. In some embodiments, the check valve 324B includes an innerchamber 352 with a tapered wall 354. The chamber 352 can include asealing member, such as a ball 356, which can seat against the taperedwall 354. The ball 356 can be engaged with (e.g., pressed against) thetapered 354 wall by a biasing member, such as a helical spring 358. Thiscan close the check valve 324B and provide a generally liquid tightseal. Thus, the liquid L in the interior of the container 312 can beinhibited or prevented from exiting through the check valve 324B.

In some embodiments, the check valve 324B in the container 312 isautomatically opened when the container 312 is engaged with the base336. For example, as shown, a projection 360 of the base 336 can engagewith the ball 356 of the check valve 324B. This can move the ball 356against the bias of the spring 358, which can open a flow path throughthe check valve 324B. In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, whenthe container 312 is engaged with the base 336 and the flow of fluid(e.g., liquid or steam) is in a direction toward the container 312, thefluid can flow through the check valves 324A, 324B, through the port,and into an interior of the container 312. In various implementations,the system 310 is configured to introduce liquid into the container 312through the bottom of the container 312.

In some embodiments, the check valve 324B is automatically closed whenthe container 312 is disengaged with the base 336. For example, when thecontainer 312 is removed from the base 336, the projection 360 of thebase 336 is disengaged from the ball 356 and the bias of the springmoves the ball back into engagement with the tapered wall 354. This canresult in the check valve 324B closing and inhibiting or preventingbackflow of the liquid L. Thus, the container 312 can be moved toanother location without the liquid L spilling out through the bottom ofthe container 312.

As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the base 336 includes theprojection 360. In certain embodiments, having the projection in thebase 336 can allow the container 312 to have a generally planar bottom,which can allow the container 312 to be stably placed on a countertop orother location. In some variants, the container 312 includes theprojection 360 and check valve 324A and the base 336 includes the checkvalve 324B, such as the tapered wall 354 and spring-loaded ball 356.

Various embodiments include certain other aspects, advantages, orfeatures. For example, in some embodiments, the container 312 does notinclude a magnetic seal. For example, in some embodiments, the checkvalve 324A in the container 312 is not a magnetically operated valve. Insome embodiments, the check valve 324A is not a valve comprising adiaphragm that is magnetically attracted to a bottom of the container,wherein the diaphragm is spaced apart from the bottom of the container312 (e.g., by a pillar) when the container 312 is engaged with the base336, and wherein the diaphragm moves (due to the magnetic attraction)into sealing engagement with the bottom of the container 312 when thecontainer 312 is disengaged with the base 336. In some embodiments,substantially the entire, the entire, or at least the bottom of thecontainer 312 is made of a magnetic material. In certain variants,substantially the entire, the entire, or at least the bottom ofcontainer 312 is made of glass or a metal, such as stainless steel.Various embodiments do not require the container 312 to be rotated withrespect to the base 336 during engagement and/or disengagement betweenthe container 312 and base 336. In some implementations, the surface ofthe base 336 that receives the container 312 is generally flat and/ordoes not comprise an upwardly extending pillar. In various embodiments,the container 312 is configured to be used for preparing a beverageand/or is not the vessel from which the beverage is consumed. In certainembodiments, the system 310 is configured to introduce the liquid intothe container 312 in a generally vertical direction and/or not in asubstantially radially outward direction in the container 312. Incertain embodiments, the system 310 is configured to heat the liquid,such as with a heating element that heats (e.g., to at least about 45°C.) the liquid flowing through the tubing. In some implementations, thebeverage source is not a pressurized carbonated beverage supply, such asa beer keg.

FIGS. 9-12 depict additional non-limiting examples of the base 336 andthe container 312. As shown, the base 336 can be positioned in, under,and/or generally flush with a countertop or other surface. For example,as depicted, the base 336 can be positioned in an opening in thecountertop such that the top of the base 336 is about flush with the topof the countertop. In various embodiments, the periphery of the base 336is sealed or otherwise connected with the countertop to inhibit orprevent liquid from passing between the base 336 and the countertop. Asshown, in some variants, the base 336 includes a drain channel 362 and adrain outlet 364, which can receive residual liquid and drain it away,such as into a tank floor drain, or otherwise. The drain channel 362 canbe positioned around the base port 372 in the base 336 to enable thedrain channel 362 to catch residual liquid from the port 372.

As mentioned above, the container 312 can include an upper end 318 and alower end 320, which can include the bottom of the container 312. Theinterior of the container 312 can be in communication with a beverageliquid source, such as a source of milk. The lower end 320 of thecontainer 312 can be configured to mate with the base 336. For example,the container 312 can rest on the base 336. In some embodiments, aprojection (e.g., a flange) of the container 312 is received in a recess(e.g., a channel) of the base 336.

In some implementations, when the container 312 is mated with the base336, the container port 370 is engaged with the base port 372. Forexample, the ports 370, 372 can be placed adjacent to and/or in fluidcommunication with each other. In certain implementations, theengagement of the ports 370, 372 can open a fluid passage through thebase 336 and/or into the container 312, such as to permit liquid to flowthrough the base 336 and into the container 312.

In some embodiments, one or both of the ports 370, 372 comprises a flowcontroller, such as the check valves 324A, 324B. In some variants, theflow controller in the container 312 can comprises a gravity ball valve,such as is described above in connection with FIG. 8. In someimplementations, the flow controller comprises an umbrella valve, duckbill valve, slot valve, spring valve, or other type of one-way valve.

In certain variants, the container 312 and base 336 are configured tofacilitate mating, such as with one or more mating features in thecontainer 312 and base 336. For example, as depicted, the container 312can have four mating features 366 a-d and the base 336 can have fourcorresponding mating features 366 e-h. In certain variants, thecontainer 312 and/or the base 336 have one, two, three, five, or moremating features. In some embodiments, the mating features 366 comprisemagnetic elements, threads, projections (e.g., pins) that fit intorecesses (e.g., slots), or otherwise. For example, in some embodimentsin which the mating features 366 comprise magnetic elements, themagnetic elements of the container 312 can attract, or be attracted by,the corresponding magnetic elements of the base 336. In variousimplementations, the mating features 366 can facilitate holding thecontainer 312 and the base 336 together and/or sealing a fluidconnection between the container 312 and the base 336.

Some embodiments are configured to aid in positioning the container 312relative to the base 336. For example, the container 312 and the base336 can include ramped surfaces that engage with each other, therebyaiding in positioning (e.g., centering) the container 312 on the base336. In some variants, a portion of the container 312 is received in thebase 336, which can aid in stabilizing the container 312. For example, alip or shoulder on the bottom of the container 312 can be received in acorresponding recess of the base 336 and/or in the countertop.

Some embodiments are configured to control, or at least encourage, theorientation container 312 relative to the base 336. This can aid inaligning features of the container 312 with corresponding features ofthe base 336, such as corresponding steam ports in the container 312 andbase 336, corresponding liquid ports in the container 312 and base 336,and/or corresponding portions of a sensor in the container 312 and base336. In certain embodiments, the aforementioned mating featuresfacilitate the orientation. For example, in some variants in which themating features comprise magnetic elements, the arrangement and polarityof the magnetic elements control the orientation of the container 312relative to the base 336. For example, in some embodiments, the matingfeature 366 a has a negative polarity and the mating features 366 b-dhave a positive polarity, and the mating feature 366 h has a positivepolarity and the mating features 366 e-g have a negative polarity. Incertain such embodiments, when the container 312 is placed on the base336, the only orientation of the container 312 relative to the base 336in which each of the mating features engage with a mating feature ofopposite polarity is the orientation in which the features 366 a, 366 hengage. Accordingly, the orientation of the container 312 relative tothe base 336 can be controlled.

Certain variants use a physical interference to control, or at leastencourage, the orientation of the container 312 relative to the base336. In some embodiments, the container 312 and base 336 can be keyed tomate in only a certain relative orientation. For example, the base 336can have a protrusion with a shape and the container 312 can have arecess with a corresponding shape, with the shape being such that theprotrusion can only be received in the recess in a single certainorientation. In some embodiments, the shape is an irregular polygon.Certain implementations include a protrusion (e.g., a pin) that isoffset from the center of the base 336 and a recess (e.g., a slot) thatis in a corresponding location offset from the center of the container312.

In some embodiments, the base 336 and/or container 312 comprise featuresconfigured to transmit a signal, such as a signal related to thetemperature of the container 312 and/or the liquid in the container 312.For example, the container 312 can include a probe 368 a and the base336 can include a contact 368 b. As depicted, the probe 368 a can bepositioned inside the container 312, so as to be in physical contactwith the liquid in the container 312. When the container 312 and base336 are mated, the probe 368 a can engage the contact 368 b to allow thesignal from the probe 368 a to be transmitted, via the contact 368 b, tothe controller or other component of the system 310. In someembodiments, the temperature of the liquid in the container 312 issensed with a contact device, such as the probe 368 a, that physicallycontacts (e.g., is immersed in) the liquid in the container 312. Incertain variants, a non-contact device senses the temperature withoutphysically contacting the container 312 and/or the liquid. For example,some embodiments have an infrared sensor.

In some embodiments, the system 310 is configured to aid in cleaning thecontainer 312. For example, the system 310 can be configured topartially or completely invert the container 312 and/or to spraycleansing fluid (e.g., water) into the container 312. In someembodiments, this is accomplished by a user removing the container 312from the base 336 and inverting the container 312 by hand, such as overa separate rinse station. In some variants, the container 312 remainsengaged with the base 336 and the base 336 is configured to rotate, suchas about an axis that is generally parallel to horizontal. For example,the base 336 can be rotated by a motor, which is controlled by thecontroller. Rotation of the base 336 can result in the container 312 onthe base 336 being moved to a rotated position. In some embodiments, inmoving to the rotated position, the container 312 is flipped, such asabout 180° and/or inverted (e.g., upside-down). In some embodiments,from an upright position to the rotated position, the container 312 isrotated at least about: 120°, 150°, 180°, 210°, amounts between theaforementioned amounts, or other amounts. In various embodiments, thestrength of the engagement between the container 312 and base 336 issufficient to maintain the container 312 on the base 336, even in therotated position. In the rotated position, residual liquid, froth, orother material in the container 312 can flow out of the container 312 byforce of gravity. Some implementations include a container drain orcatch basin under the residual liquid, froth, or other material.

Certain embodiments include a container cleaning unit, such as one ormore nozzles. The nozzles can be configured to spray cleaning fluid(e.g., potable water) into the inverted container. For example, thenozzles can spray generally upwardly into the inverted container 312 towash the inside of the container 312 and/or the container port 370. Thecleaning fluid can fall into, and be received by, the container drain orcatch basin. In some implementations, operation of the nozzles isgoverned by the controller. For example, the controller can controloperation of a solenoid or other type of valve that opens to deliver thecleaning fluid to the nozzles. In some variants, the nozzles are part ofthe separate rinse station and/or are manually controlled.

In some embodiments, after the container 312 has been washed, thecontainer 312 is returned to an upright orientation. In someembodiments, this is accomplished manually, such as by a user manuallyflipping the base 336 and/or the container 312 to the uprightorientation. In certain variants, the motor flips the base 336 and/orthe container 312 to the upright orientation.

FIG. 13 depicts an example of the tubing 316 that can be used in thesystem 310. The depicted example is located directly beneath the base336, though other locations are contemplated as well. As shown, thecontact 368 b of the base can connect with a cable 374, such as anelectrical wire, and the drain 362 can connect with a drainage tube 376.

As shown, the tubing 316 can include a manifold 378. The manifold 378can connect with a plurality of tubes, such as two, three, four, five,or more. In some embodiments, the manifold 378 connects with a tube thatcarries steam and one or more tubes that carry liquid. For example, themanifold 378 can connect with a steam tube 316 a, a milk tube 316 b, anda water tube 316 c. In some implementations, the steam tube 316 acarries a mixture of steam and air. In certain variants, the manifold378 can connect with a tube or tubes that carry other fluids, such ascold milk, hot milk, cold water, hot water, sauces, syrups, pumped(e.g., pressurized) ambient air, pumped heated air, pumped cooled air,or other fluids.

Each inlet on the manifold 378 can include a backflow preventionfeature, such as a check valve. This can enable fluid from each of thetubes to be individually injected through the manifold 378, through thebase 336, and into the container 312. In various embodiments, themanifold 378 and/or backflow prevention features can reduce or eliminatethe chance of fluid from one tube entering into and/or contaminating theother tubes.

Certain Terminology

As used herein, the term “beverage” has its ordinary and customarymeaning, and includes, among other things, any edible liquid orsubstantially liquid substance or product having a flowing quality(e.g., juices, coffee beverages, teas, frozen yogurt, beer, wine,cocktails, liqueurs, spirits, cider, soft drinks, flavored water, energydrinks, soups, broths, combinations of the same, or the like).

Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unlessspecifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within thecontext as used, is generally intended to convey that certainembodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certainfeatures, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is notgenerally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are inany way required for one or more embodiments or that one or moreembodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without userinput or prompting, whether these features, elements, and/or steps areincluded or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,”unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with thecontext as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may beeither X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generallyintended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of atleast one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

Unless otherwise explicitly stated, articles such as “a” or “an” shouldgenerally be interpreted to include one or more described items.Accordingly, phrases such as “a device configured to” are intended toinclude one or more recited devices. Such one or more recited devicescan also be collectively configured to carry out the stated recitations.For example, “a processor configured to carry out recitations A, B, andC” can include a first processor configured to carry out recitation Aworking in conjunction with a second processor configured to carry outrecitations B and C.

The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like aresynonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and donot exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and soforth. Likewise, the terms “some,” “certain,” and the like aresynonymous and are used in an open-ended fashion. Also, the term “or” isused in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so thatwhen used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or”means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.

The terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” as used hereinrepresent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs adesired function or achieves a desired result. For example, in someembodiments, as the context may dictate, the terms “approximately”,“about”, and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within lessthan or equal to 10% of the stated amount. The term “generally” as usedherein represents a value, amount, or characteristic that predominantlyincludes, or tends toward, a particular value, amount, orcharacteristic. As an example, in certain embodiments, as the contextmay dictate, the term “generally parallel” can refer to something thatdeparts from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 20 degrees and/orthe term “generally perpendicular” can refer to something that departsfrom exactly perpendicular by less than or equal to 20 degrees.

Overall, the language of the claims is to be interpreted broadly basedon the language employed in the claims. The claims are not to be limitedto the non-exclusive embodiments and examples that are illustrated anddescribed in this disclosure, or that are discussed during theprosecution of the application.

Summary

Although this disclosure describes certain embodiments and examples ofbeverage dispensing systems and methods, many aspects of theabove-described systems and methods may be combined differently and/ormodified to form still further embodiments or acceptable examples. Allsuch modifications and variations are intended to be included hereinwithin the scope of this disclosure. Indeed, a wide variety of designsand approaches are possible and are within the scope of this disclosure.For example, although the dispensing units shown in the figures have oneor two dispensing units, certain other embodiments include additionaldispensing units. Some embodiments have three, four, five, or moredispensing units, as well as one or more appropriate control and/orselector valves to direct the flow of beverage to the various dispensingunits, such as in lieu of or in addition to the three-way control andselector valves shown in FIG. 4. As another example, although thecontroller is illustrated as having wired connections to othercomponents, in some embodiments, the controller communicates wirelesslywith one or more of the components, such as through radio frequencytransmissions. As a further example, although some embodiments havediscussed cleaning the dispensing unit in the inverted position, someembodiments are configured to clean the dispensing unit in anon-inverted position. For example, cleaning fluid can be introducedinto the dispensing unit in the upright position and the dispensing unitcan then be rotated to dump the cleaning fluid out of the dispensingunit. As yet another example, while some embodiments described aboveinclude a cleaning operation, certain embodiments do not include acleaning operation. For example, the dispensing unit can be configuredsuch that substantially all of the liquid (e.g., at least 99.99% byvolume) is discharged out of the dispensing unit, thereby reducing oreliminating a need to clean the dispensing unit. In someimplementations, the dispensing unit includes a surface treatment (e.g.,a hydrophobic and/or oleophobic coating) on the inside of the dispensingunit. Furthermore, although some embodiments are described as usingsteam to heat, aerate, and/or mix the liquid in the container, someembodiments include other heating mechanisms (e.g., electrical resistiveheaters, electromagnetic induction coils, or otherwise), other aerationmechanisms (e.g., rotating or vibrating members submerged in the liquid,etc.), and/or other mixing mechanisms (e.g., stirrers, etc.). Whileillustrative embodiments have been described herein, the scope of allembodiments having equivalent elements, modifications, omissions,combinations (e.g., of aspects across various embodiments), adaptationsand/or alterations as would be appreciated by those in the art based onthe present disclosure. Additionally, note that this applicationincorporates by reference the entirety of the U.S. provisional patentapplication No. 62/220,577, filed Sep. 18, 2015, titled “BEVERAGEPREPARATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS.”

Also, although there may be some embodiments within the scope of thisdisclosure that are not expressly recited above or elsewhere herein,this disclosure contemplates and includes all embodiments within thescope of what this disclosure shows and describes. Further, thisdisclosure contemplates and includes embodiments comprising anycombination of any structure, material, step, or other feature disclosedanywhere herein with any other structure, material, step, or otherfeature disclosed anywhere herein.

Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure inthe context of separate implementations can also be implemented incombination in a single implementation. Conversely, various featuresthat are described in the context of a single implementation can also beimplemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitablesubcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above asacting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimedcombination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and thecombination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of asubcombination.

For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, andfeatures are described herein. Not necessarily all such aspects,advantages, and features may be achieved in accordance with anyparticular embodiment. For example, some embodiments of any of thevarious disclosed systems include the container and/or includepluralities of the container; some embodiments do not include thecontainer. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosuremay be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantageor a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achievingother advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

Some embodiments have been described in connection with the accompanyingdrawings. The figures are drawn to scale where appropriate, but suchscale should not be interpreted to be limiting. Distances, angles, etc.are merely illustrative and do not necessarily bear an exactrelationship to actual dimensions and layout of the devices illustrated.Components can be added, removed, and/or rearranged. Further, thedisclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property,characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connectionwith various embodiments can be used in all other embodiments set forthherein. Also, any methods described herein may be practiced using anydevice suitable for performing the recited steps.

Moreover, while components and operations may be depicted in thedrawings or described in the specification in a particular arrangementor order, such components and operations need not be arranged andperformed in the particular arrangement and order shown, nor insequential order, nor include all of the components and operations, toachieve desirable results. Other components and operations that are notdepicted or described can be incorporated in the embodiments andexamples. For example, one or more additional operations can beperformed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the describedoperations. Further, the operations may be rearranged or reordered inother implementations. Also, the separation of various system componentsin the implementations described above should not be understood asrequiring such separation in all implementations, and it should beunderstood that the described components and systems can generally beintegrated together in a single product or packaged into multipleproducts.

In summary, various illustrative embodiments and examples of beveragedispensing systems and methods have been disclosed. Although the systemsand methods have been disclosed in the context of those embodiments andexamples, this disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosedembodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or other uses of theembodiments, as well as to certain modifications and equivalentsthereof. This disclosure expressly contemplates that various featuresand aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, orsubstituted for, one another. Accordingly, the scope of this disclosureshould not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments describedabove, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claimsthat follow as well as their full scope of equivalents.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A beverage preparation system configured toproduce heated aerated liquid, the beverage preparation systemcomprising: a base comprising a first base port; a container configuredto engage with and disengage from the base, the container comprising anupper end and a lower end, the lower end comprising a first containerport with a first check valve, the check valve being configured toautomatically close when the container is disengaged from the base; anda tubing assembly connected with the base, the tubing assembly,comprising: tubing that is configured to convey a liquid; a heatingunit; and an aeration unit; the beverage preparation system beingconfigured to: heat, with the heating unit, the liquid in the tubingassembly; aerate, with the aeration unit, the liquid in the tubingassembly before or after the liquid is heated by the heating unit; andintroduce the heated and aerated liquid from the tubing assembly intothe container.
 2. The beverage preparation system of claim 1, whereinthe base further comprises a second base port and the container furthercomprises a second container port with a second check valve.
 3. Thebeverage preparation system of claim 1, wherein the heating unitcomprises a steam valve configured to permit steam to flow from a steamsource into the tubing assembly.
 4. The beverage preparation system ofclaim 1, wherein the heating unit comprises a means for heating.
 5. Thebeverage preparation system of claim 1, wherein the aeration unitcomprises an air inlet configured to permit pressurized air to enter thetubing assembly.
 6. The beverage preparation system of claim 1, whereinthe aeration unit comprises a means for aerating.
 7. The beveragepreparation system of claim 1, wherein the system is configured tointroduce the heated and aerated liquid from the tubing assembly intothe interior of the container by passing the heated and aerated liquidthrough the first base port and the first container port.
 8. Thebeverage preparation system of claim 1, wherein the first check valvecomprises a duckbill valve.
 9. The beverage preparation system of claim1, wherein the container and base comprise mating magnetic elements. 10.The beverage preparation system of claim 1, wherein the beveragepreparation system is configured to aerate, with the aeration unit, theliquid in the tubing assembly before the liquid is heated by the heatingunit.
 11. The beverage preparation system of claim 1, wherein thebeverage preparation system is configured to aerate, with the aerationunit, the liquid in the tubing assembly after the liquid is heated bythe heating unit.
 12. A method of preparing heated aerated beverageliquid, the method comprising: conveying a liquid through a tubingassembly; aerating the liquid in the tubing assembly; heating the liquidin the tubing assembly before or after the aerating; conveying theaerated and heated liquid through a passage in a base; conveying theaerated and heated liquid through a first port in a bottom of acontainer that is positioned on the base; and collecting the aerated andheated liquid in the container.
 13. The method of claim 12, whereinaerating the liquid comprises introducing pressurized air into theliquid.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein heating the liquid comprisesintroducing steam into the liquid.
 15. The method of claim 12, whereinaerating the liquid occurs before heating the liquid.
 16. The method ofclaim 12, wherein aerating the liquid occurs after heating the liquid.17. The method of claim 12, wherein the liquid comprises milk.
 18. Themethod of claim 12, further comprising conveying a flow of cleansingliquid through the tubing assembly.
 19. The method of claim 12, furthercomprising automatically closing a check valve in the container inresponse to removal of the container from the base.
 20. The method ofclaim 12, further comprising: opening a first check valve in the port inthe bottom of the container; and opening a second check valve in asecond port in the bottom of the container.
 21. The method of claim 12,wherein conveying the aerated and heated liquid through the passage inthe base comprises conveying the aerated and heated liquid through thepassage in an upward direction.